4 police officers remanded over Owode market killings

  An Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Tuesday remanded four police officers accused of shooting and killing traders at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market. The defendants—Manu Bala (41), Jibrin Samaila (47), Ibrahim Garuba (29), and Ibrahim Kashimu (26)—were remanded at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending legal advice from the […]

 

An Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Tuesday remanded four police officers accused of shooting and killing traders at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market.

The defendants—Manu Bala (41), Jibrin Samaila (47), Ibrahim Garuba (29), and Ibrahim Kashimu (26)—were remanded at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The defendants are facing a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder.

The police prosecutor, Mr. O.W. Ologun, told the court that the offences allegedly occurred on August 27, 2025, at about 9am at the Owode Onirin Market.

Ologun alleged that the defendants, along with others still at large, conspired and shot several traders dead with AK-47 rifles. (nan

“The defendants and others at large conspired and shot several traders to death with AK-47 rifles,” the prosecutor stated.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, six victims were named in the alleged killings: Bamidele Dare Mufutau, Adebayo Adewale Mathew, Adeoye Taiye, Abraham Idowu Temilola, Akinboye Oluwaseyi Olamilekan, and Akeem Aderemi Adeoye.

The prosecutor noted that the offences contravened Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

He added that the suspects were brought before the court specifically to obtain a remand order while awaiting legal advice.

“The advice will determine whether a prima facie case has been established against them,” Ologun said.

However, counsel to the defendants, Mr. Azuri Ejiofor, urged the court to deny the remand request.

He argued that the defendants had already spent a significant amount of time in custody without formal trial.

“My lord, the defendants have been in custody for over five months,” Ejiofor stated.

Chief Magistrate E. Kubeinje granted the prosecution’s request and ordered the defendants’ remand at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending the DPP’s advice.

The case was adjourned until April 15 for mention. (NAN)